Badminton England Launches Shuttle Stars to Engage Youth Across the UK

Badminton England has officially launched the Shuttle Stars Junior Programme, aimed at inspiring children in Shropshire and beyond to engage in badminton. This initiative aligns with Badminton England’s long-term strategy, Badminton: A Sport for Everyone, which was introduced in September 2023. The programme focuses on increasing youth participation and fostering an inclusive environment for young athletes.

The launch event took place at the Manchester Velodrome, where over 100 schoolchildren participated in badminton sessions, many of whom were picking up a racket for the first time. They were joined by rising badminton stars Cholan Kayan and Sid Palakkal, who encouraged the young participants to embrace the sport.

Cholan Kayan, captain of the Manchester Badminton team, shared his excitement about the initiative. “It’s great to see the launch of Shuttle Stars here and see so many children having fun in such an incredible and inspiring venue,” he stated. “I hope they develop a love for playing badminton and that Shuttle Stars can inspire kids across the country to pick up a racket. By having fun and learning, I discovered my true passion in badminton as a child. Programmes like Shuttle Stars give these children the same chance I had.”

According to Sport England’s Active Lives Report, there has been a notable increase in the number of children and young people participating in badminton, with 483,000 playing weekly during the 2024/25 academic year. This figure has risen from 350,700 in the 2017/18 academic year. Badminton England has also experienced growth in membership, increasing from 33,591 in the 2023/24 season to 35,427 in the 2025/26 season. The Shuttle Stars programme aims to build on this growing audience to enhance participation and engagement in the sport.

George Wood, Sport Director of Badminton England, emphasized the programme’s mission, stating, “We want Shuttle Stars to bring a new generation of children into the sport through a fun, welcoming, inclusive environment. It offers them the opportunity to learn and develop their skills, keep fit, make friends, and take their first steps into the world of badminton.” He added that the initiative aims to provide every child, regardless of their background, the chance to play badminton and cultivate a lifelong passion for the sport.

Shuttle Stars will serve as an entry point for children new to badminton while offering a structured pathway for those who wish to advance further in competitions. Parents and coaches in Shropshire are now encouraged to register for the programme. More information, including details of local leisure centres, clubs, and schools delivering Shuttle Stars, can be found on the Badminton England website at: badmintonengland.co.uk/play/programmes/shuttle-stars.

The successful launch of Shuttle Stars marks a pivotal step for Badminton England in its efforts to promote inclusivity and accessibility in the sport, ensuring that badminton is a viable option for children across the country. As the programme rolls out, it stands poised to inspire the next generation of badminton players, fostering a love for the game that could last a lifetime.